Summer Media Internship

Ok, I can only give my personal experience.

First, I think it’s a ridiculous challenge for candidates to meet these hidden and subconscious goals while under pressure.  That said, I totally understand an employer wanting to weed through potentials, and I can’t find any argument for why they shouldn’t be picky, however they choose to do so, when hiring new people (save it doesn’t violate discrimination laws).

Still though, the idea of being ‘fully prepared’ for an interview and application like the one described in the paper is a tall feat indeed.  That’s just someone who happened to be at their best that day, because there’s virtually no way any one person could be so ready all the time.  If that were true, they’d have better jobs that this one.

But what’s fair is fair, and if that is what the employer is looking for, it’s their choice, flat out.  What I don’t like is the ‘who you know’ situation.  Again, it’s not that I can point out that it’s wrong, I just think its a load of crap (excuse my language).  Unless you’re applying for a job as a human resource networker, who you know shouldn’t matter to bits.  At least, that’s from someone who can’t play that game well, I’m sure if you’re on the other side it’s just fine.

But in the end, as above, as long as it doesn’t violate discriminatory laws, it’s the employers choice to use whatever means they like to find people to hire.

I almost always get jobs based on timing.  That’s just how it is.  I’m not “on” at every interview, and I know beforehand when it’s going to be rough.  I almost always land the jobs where I happen to be at the right place at the right time.  I’m sure it’ll continue that way indefinitely, and I prefer it.

It gives me the chance to put forward the only thing I know is true and steady: myself.  I’m not perfect everyday, and when I present a true form of who I am regularly, not the ‘interview’ me, I increase my chances of speaking frankly and reasonably with my potential employers.  I almost always land those jobs. I find that people want real people, and real people aren’t perfect.  When people see you’re being yourself, they are attracted to it, not to mention that I’m almost always confidently relaxed in that scenario as well.

Sometimes, of course, I totally bomb it.  That’s how it is, I guess I’m not supposed to have that job then.  The best advice here, be true to yourself, and don’t take the decision so personally, either good or bad.

Good luck.